Straight From the Sphinx’s Mouth

5042010

For some reason, people just can’t resist replacing the Sphinx’s head with…other heads. Consider these two ads, each promoting a different food manufacturer. The first, which dates to the 1920s, tries to convince the impressionable buyer that Campbell’s soup is a fabulous addition to any menu. The sphinx, which bears an odd and random resemblance to George Washington, is relaying a message to the cute little Campbell’s Soup Girl, who translates for the reader via a poem: “You said something, good old Sphinx, To free us from a daily jinx! For Campbell’s soup served every day, Means lots of trouble cleared away!” Pretty convincing, despite the oxtail flavor being featured. The second ad, for Green Giant, (c.1950) unfortunately uses that character’s head on the Sphinx – and you know what? I just realized the Green Giant used to look a lot scarier than he does today. And really, what does this have to do with corn niblets???